2007 Grand Prize Winner ($30,000)

Members of the winning team use a scale model of "The Eliminator" to demonstrate the way it works.
© WWF / Smart Gear

The Eliminator - University of Rhode Island, United States

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DESIGN OF THE ELIMINATOR

It may sound like the name of the destructive robot in the next big action movie, but the Eliminator is actually a lifesaver: it reduces bycatch of cod in the haddock bottom trawl fishery.

The winning fishing gear takes advantage of the behaviour differences of fish: haddock swim upward when they encounter the net and are captured in the smaller mesh upper section, whereas cod and other groundfish caught in the tow swim downward and escape easily through the large mesh openings. By separating and releasing bycatch at the mouth of the net, the Eliminator reduces the potential for damage and mortality.

The trawl's unique design comprises of a four-seam net of large mesh measuring 95 inches (240 cm) through the lower face of the bottom belly, which quickly drops to 32 inches (80 cm) in the side panels and square, and 8 inches (20 cm) in the top belly.

A three-panel kite provides a vertical lift to between five and six fathoms of the headrope height, and the rockhopper sweep has only one 16-inch (41 cm) disc per bight at the center, making for a lighter sweep with less contact on the seabed.

We applied our knowledge and understanding of fish behavior and fishing gear and adapted a large mesh squid net with a rockhopper sweep to generate a cleaner catch of haddock. As we tested and refined our idea we found the net had significant potential for reducing bycatch of cod, flounder, skate, lobster and dogfish, resulting in operational efficiencies for the fishing community and conservation of the marine environment.

Jon Knight, net builder, Superior Trawl

Rockhopper sweep of the Eliminator trawl showing the one 16-inch disc per bight in the center.
© Photo courtesy of University of Rhode Island

FIELD TESTING

Following flume tank trials of the experimental net at the Marine Institute at Memorial University in Newfoundland, the design team secured funding from Canada's federal Cooperative Research Partners Program to carry out field sampling. In the course of four fishing trips totaling 19 days, researchers did 100 side-by-side comparison hauls in a closed area of Georges Bank.

Results were impressive. The Eliminator’s total haddock catch was equal to that of the traditional trawl net, but the Eliminator also reduced cod bycatch by 81 percent and flounder bycatch by 95 percent. In addition, the new fishing gear significantly reduced bycatch of skate, dogfish, American plaice and lobsters.

The collaborative design and development of the Eliminator trawl is a great example of industry, scientists and managers working together to develop innovative solutions to reduce or eliminate bycatch.

David Beutel, fisheries extension specialist, University of Rhode Island

THE WINNING TEAM

In 2003, New England fishermen James O'Grady, Philip Ruhle Sr. and Philip Ruhle Jr. approached Jonathan Knight of Superior Trawl in Wakefield, R.I., with an idea for an experimental net that targeted haddock while reducing bycatch.

Concurrently, the Rhode Island Sea Grant Fisheries Extension Program at the University of Rhode Island was looking for opportunities to work with the industry. Jon and the fishermen met with fisheries extension specialists Laura Skrobe and David Beutel, and the winning team was established.

Together, the group applied their practical experience, project management skills, and knowledge of fishery-related issues to testing, analyzing and refining the Eliminator. The result is an original, practical and cost-effective bycatch tool that benefits both the fishing industry and marine conservation.